Device and system for in vivo imaging

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a system and method for obtaining in vivo images. The system contains an imaging system and an ultra low power radio frequency transmitter for transmitting signals from the CMOS imaging camera to a receiving system located outside a patient. The imaging system includes at least one CMOS imaging camera, at least one illumination source for illuminating an in vivo site and an optical system for imaging the in vivo site onto the CMOS imaging camera.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an in vivo imaging device andsystem such as for imaging the digestive tract.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Among known in vivo measuring systems are endoscopes, which areoften utilized to provide images of the upper or lower gastro-intestinaltract. However, endoscopes do not provide views of the entire length ofthe small intestines. Additionally, they are uncomfortable, may causedamage to the patient and are complex to operate.

[0003] Swallowable electronic capsules which are moved through thedigestive tract through the action of digestion and which collect dataand transmit the data to a receiver system are known, one such exampleis the “Heidelberg” capsule. Yet another example is a capsule disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,604,531. These capsules may be utilized to measurepH, temperature and pressure throughout the intestines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The device and system of the present invention enable obtainingin vivo images from within body lumens or cavities, such as images ofthe entire length of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The device andsystem contain an imaging system that includes a complementary metaloxide semiconductor (CMOS) imaging camera. The device also contains anultra low power radio frequency (RF) transmitter for transmittingsignals from the CMOS imaging camera to a receiving system.

[0005] The CMOS imaging camera is an ultra low power imager, has lowsensitivity to the red spectrum and is provided in chip scale packaging(CSP). The transmitter is an ultra low power RF transmitter with highbandwidth input, possibly provided in chip scale packaging.

[0006] The high integration and low power consumption achieved by theimaging system of the device and system of the invention wereunobtainable prior to the advances in CMOS technology. Further, an ultralow power, high bandwidth input transmitter for video signals is unknownin the art. Also, an RF product in CSP has not been previously disclosedin the art.

[0007] Further, the imaging system may utilize a white light emittingdiode (LED) as a light source rather than a reddish incandescenceminiature bulb or an RGB LED presently used in the art. The white LEDenables to produce a higher quality and more pleasant to the eye image.

[0008] There is therefore provided, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention, an in vivo imaging device. The device consists of atleast one imaging system for producing video output, preferably digitaloutput, and a transmitter which transmits the video output to areceiving system.

[0009] The imaging system includes a CMOS imaging camera, at least oneillumination source for illuminating an in vivo site and an opticalsystem for imaging the in vivo site onto the CMOS imaging camera.

[0010] The illumination source may be a white LED. The term “white LED”as referred to herein relates to a combination of a blue LED chip(emitting light in the blue spectrum range) and a refracting crystal.The blue LED chip is encapsulated within the refracting crystal suchthat blue light incident on the crystal is emitted in differentspectrums, resulting in white light. The white light emitted from therefracting crystal has a small faction of red light and an even smaller,almost nonexistent, fraction of infra red (IR) light.

[0011] The illumination source may be a specific integrated light sourcein which a refracting crystal matrix has a plurality of blue LED chipsintegrated therein.

[0012] The components of the device are harbored in a housing having anoptical window. The housing is configured for being inserted and passingthrough body lumens or cavities.

[0013] Also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention,is a system for in vivo imaging, which includes an imaging systemproducing video output preferably digital output, a transmitter whichtransmits the video output of the imaging system and a receiving systemfor receiving the transmitted video output. The imaging system consistsof a CMOS imaging camera, an illumination source for illuminating an invivo site and an optical system for imaging the in vivo site onto theCMOS imaging camera.

[0014] The system may further comprise an antenna array capable ofsurrounding a body and comprising one or a plurality of antennas forreceiving the transmitted video output and for producing a plurality ofreceived signals. Also the system may include a demodulator capable oftransforming the plurality of received video signals into a single videodatastream. The system may also comprise a data processing system whichgenerates tracking and video data from the single datastream.

[0015] The receiving system and data processor are typically locatedoutside a patient.

[0016] Optionally, the system can also include an apparatus foroperating the transmitter intermittently.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the device is a swallowablecapsule having an optical window and containing an imaging system forobtaining in vivo images of the entire length of the GI tract and atransmitter which admits the obtained images to a receiving system.

[0018] The imaging system consists of a CMOS imaging camera, a white LEDand a lens for imaging a GI tract site onto the CMOS imaging camera. Theswallowable capsule also includes a contained energy source forproviding energy the entirety of the electrical elements of the capsule.

[0019] Also provided in accordance with an embodiment of the inventionis a transmitter for transmitting signals on RF to a receiving system.The transmitter, which is controlled by a normally opened (NO) switch,includes a control block for controlling the illumination and imager ofthe device of the invention.

[0020] The NO switch is controlled by an external magnet that keeps theswitch closed while it is in proximity to the switch. However, aninternal block maintain the logistics of an open switch, so as to keepthe transmitter circuits and all capsule main subsystems inactive whilethe external magnet is present. Removal of the external magnet causesthe switch to open and the internal block to close, thereby allowing thetransmitter circuits and capsule main subsystems to be activated.

[0021] Further provided is a method for obtaining images in vivo. Themethod includes the steps of: illuminating a site in vivo; collectingremitted light onto pixels of a CMOS imaging camera, thereby generatingan analog signal; processing and converting the analog signal to adigital signal; randomizing the digital signal; transmitting the digitalsignal to a receiving system; and processing the transmitted signals toobtain images of the in vivo site.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The present invention will be understood and appreciated morefully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction withthe drawings in which:

[0023]FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal cross section illustration ofan in vivo imaging device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0024]FIG. 2 is a schematic presentation of the CMOS imaging cameraaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

[0025]FIG. 3 is a cross section schematic illustration of a device, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention, including a specificintegrated illumination source;

[0026]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the transmitter in accordance with anembodiment of the invention; and

[0027]FIG. 5 is a block diagram presentation of the method according toan embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0028] The device and system of the invention are utilized for viewinginside body lumens and cavities and for transmitting at least videodata.

[0029] Reference is now made to FIG. 1 which illustrates the device andits components, according to an embodiment of the invention. The device10 typically comprises an optical window 21 and an imaging system forobtaining images from inside a body lumen, such as the GI tract. Theimaging system includes an illumination source 23, such as a white LED,a CMOS imaging camera 24, which detects the images and an optical system22 which focuses the images onto the CMOS imaging camera 24. Theillumination source 23 illuminates the inner portions of the body lumenthrough optical window 21. Device 10 further includes a transmitter 26and an antenna 27 for transmitting the video signal of the CMOS imagingcamera 24, and a power source 25, such as a silver oxide battery, thatprovides power to the electric elements of the device 10.

[0030] It will be appreciated that a plurality of CMOS imaging camerasmay be used in the device and system of the invention. Each CMOS imagingcamera may include its own optical system and either one or moreillumination sources, in accordance with specific requirements of thedevice or system.

[0031] Images obtained by the CMOS camera 24 are transmitted to areceiving system (not shown), which may also include a data processingunit. The receiving system and data processing unit are typicallylocated outside a patient.

[0032] The device 10 is capsule shaped, can be easily swallowed and maypassively pass through the entire GI tract, pushed along by naturalperistalsis.

[0033] Nonetheless, it should be appreciated that the device may be ofany shape suitable for being inserted into and passing through a bodylumen or cavity. Furthermore, the device of the invention may beattached or affixed on to an instrument that is inserted into bodylumens and cavities, such as on an endoscope, laparoscope, stent,needle, catheter etc.

[0034] Thus, the device may be introduced into a body lumen or cavity byswallowing, by using an endoscopic device, by surgery and so on.

[0035] A suitable CMOS imaging camera 24 is, for example, a “camera on achip” type CMOS imager specified by Given Imaging Ltd. of Yokneam,Israel and designed by Photobit Corporation of California, USA, withintegrated active pixel and post processing circuitry (as will be firerdescribed with reference to FIG. 2). The single chip camera can provideeither black and white or color signals.

[0036] The CMOS imaging camera 24 is designed such that it is lesssensitive to light in the red spectrum than known CMOS cameras.

[0037] The optical system 22 comprises at least one lens and optionallymirrors and/or prisms for collecting and collimating remitted light onto the pixels of the CMOS imaging camera 24. Typically, the opticalsystem comprises an aspherical focussing lens. A suitable lens is, forexample, the lens designed by Given Imaging Ltd. of Yokneam, Israel, inaccordance with specific object plane, distortion and resolutionparameters.

[0038] Illumination source 23, transmits illumination to the walls ofthe body lumen via the optical window 21. The lens of the optical system22 then focuses remittent light onto the pixels of the CMOS imagingcamera 24.

[0039] A single or plurality of light sources or a specific integratedlight source may be used and positioned in accordance with specificimaging requirements, such as to avoid stray light etc. Also, theoptical window 21 may be positioned and shaped according to the deviceshape and according to specific imaging requirements. For example,optimized imaging conditions can be obtained when optical window 21 isformed to define an ellipsoid shaped dome and the CMOS imaging chipcamera system 24 and illumination sources 23 arc positioned in theproximity of the focal plane of the shape defined by the optical dome.Obtaining the above imaging conditions is described in WO 00/76391,which is assigned to the common assignees of the present invention andwhich is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.

[0040] The in vivo sites imaged in the present invention are usuallyvery close to the imager. For example, an 11×30 mm capsule passingthrough and imaging the small intestine, images the intestine walls froma very short distance. It is therefore possible to satisfy theillumination requirements of the imaging process utilizing solid stateillumination sources, such as LEDs.

[0041] In an embodiment of the invention the illumination source is awhite LED. The white light emitted from the white LED has a smallfaction of red light and even smaller fraction of IR light. Hence, awhite LED is beneficial for use with silicone based image sensors (suchas CMOS imaging cameras) because of the silicone sensitivity to red andIR light.

[0042] In a system which includes the CMOS imaging camera of theinvention with its reduced sensitivity to light in the red spectrum anda white LED illumination source, no IR reject filters (photopic filters)are needed.

[0043] A suitable transmitter may comprise a modulator which receivesthe video signal (either digital or analog) from the CMOS imagingcamera, a radio frequency (RF) amplifier, an impedance matcher and anantenna. The transmitter will be further illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0044] Other optional parts of the system as well as the method forlocalization of a capsule containing the system within the digestivesystem may be similar to those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,604,531(which is assigned to the common assignees of the present invention andwhich is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference).

[0045] Device 10 can additionally include sensor elements for measuringpH, temperature, pressure, etc. These sensor elements, some of which aredescribed in the prior art, may be any element suitable for measuringconditions prevailing in the body lumen (for example, the digestivesystem) and that are capable of being appended to or included in thedevice.

[0046] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, in which a schematic layout ofthe CMOS imaging camera is presented. The CMOS imaging camera 200comprises active pixel and post processing circuitry on a single chip.The CMOS imaging camera 200 includes photo cell 202 (the pixels of theCMOS imaging camera), correlated double sampler (CDS) 204, analog todigital (A/D) converts 206, encoding and randomizing unit 208 and timinggenerator 210 for control and synchronization of the circuitry elements.

[0047] Light collected by an optical system is directed onto CMOSimaging camera 200 and photons are converted to electrons as the lightis absorbed by photo cell 202. Electrons are converted to electricalcurrent and an analog signal is produced by the active pixel circuitry.The analog signal is conveyed for further processing by on-chip postprocessing circuitry. The signal is further processed by CDS 204. CDS204 performs correlated double sampling, for canceling noise and signalshaping before conveying the signal to the A/D converter 206. The A/Dconverter 206 is a serial output A/D converted which enables serial, lowpower transmission of signals. The signal is converted into a digitalsignal and is further conveyed to encoding and randomizing unit 208 fordefining fame and row parameters (encoding) and for priming the signalsfor transmission (randomizing). The encoding and randomizing unit 208randomizes the occurrence of the digital “0” and “1” signals such thattransmission is not impeded by a reoccurring signal of one type.

[0048] The CMOS imaging camera 200 is specified by Given Imaging Ltd. ofYokneam, Israel and designed by Photobit Corporation of California, USA,according to a specification adjusted to in vivo imaging. The CMOSimaging chip has ultra low power requirements (less than 3 milliwatts).The dynamics of the increase of dark current generated by the imagingcamera, as a function of temperature, is less than that of solid statedevices known in the art, such that at 37° C. a low fraction of the output video signal is dark current. Further, as discussed above, theimaging camera has reduced sensitivity to light in the red spectrum,abating the need for photopic filters.

[0049] Reference is now made to FIG. 3 in which a device for in vivoimaging comprising a specific integrated light source is illustrated.Device 300 comprises CMOS imaging camera 302, an optical system (notshown) for imaging in vivo images onto the CMOS imaging camera 302 andan integrated light source 304 for illuminating a site in vivo. Thedevice 300 further includes a transmitter 305 for transmitting videodata from the imaging camera 302 to a receiver (not shown). Thetransmitter 305 generates a high voltage and current source for thelight source 304. The integrated light source 304 is connected to thetransmitter 305 through connective wires 301. The electrical componentsof the device are powered by a battery contained within the device (notshown).

[0050] The integrated light source 304 comprises a strip 306 of arefracting crystal matrix encircling the CMOS imaging camera 302. BlueLED chips 308, encapsulated within the refracting crystal matrix ofstrip 306, are positioned along the strip 306 such that illumination isprovided in a ring around the CMOS imaging camera 302.

[0051] Blue LED chips 308 can also be sprinkled throughout the strip 306such that the whole strip 306 emits light.

[0052] Reference is now made to FIG. 4 in which a block diagram of thetransmitter is illustrated. The transmitter 400, an ASIC (applicationspecific integrated circuit) designed to fulfill interationalcommunication standards (such as the FCC) standards, operates on aminimum shift keying (MSK) modulation system to effort transmitting ofdigital signals through antenna 426 and 427 on radio frequencies to areceiving system. The transmitter 400 also controls the illumination andimager of the device of the invention and the logical conversion of theswitch (as described above). The transmitter 400 includes a one timeprogramming unit 408 in communication with external programming input428, a control logic block 401 for communicating with the imager, aphase lock loop (PLL) 402 in communication with modulator 425,optionally, a LED power and control block 403 for controlling theillumination, a main oscillator 404 and a switch 405 which controls aninternal electronic switch 406.

[0053] The control logic block 401 communicates with the imager, readspreprogrammed parameters and performs the interface to the “outside”world in the programing mode. Control logic block 401 maintains a masterclock, is synchronized by bit rate data 412 and fine rate 413, andthrough control 411, which is generated by the imager, triggers LEDpower and control block 403. Control logic block 401 further controlsthe master clock 414 and the imager shutdown 415.

[0054] During shutdown the transmitter sends out beacon signals only.The shutdown enables economic use of the device's power supply. Forexample, in a device designed for imaging the small intestine, thetransmitter 400 may be programmed to include a two hour delay, duringwhich period shutdown of the imager and other device electronics iseffected. Two hours is approximately the time it takes a swallowabledevice to pass the stomach and enter the small intestine, in particularpatients. Thus, in those patients, the device will utilize power fromthe battery, for collecting images, only when the device has reached thesmall intestine.

[0055] The PLL 402 is a feedback system intended to automaticallycorrect drifts in the transmitted frequency. PLL 402 includes apre-scaler 424 for fast frequency dividing that is not dependant on thechannel frequency. The pre-scaler 424 is in communication with a divider421 that divides the frequency of the oscillator 404 to perform thereference frequency for the PLL. The division value is channeldependant. The PLL 402 also includes a phase frequency detector (PFD)422 for performing the frequency comparison and the phase comparison ofthe PLL, and a charge pump 423 for performing the shape of the looptransmission of the whole loop.

[0056] LED power and control block 403 includes a high voltage source432 that is controlled by the external capacitor 431. LED power andcontrol block 403 also includes a high current source 433 and the peakcurrent value of the LEDs is controlled by the resistor which isconnected to LedRes 435.

[0057] The transmitter 400 is controlled by an external magnetic switch405. The switch 405 is a normally opened (NO) switch that is kept closedby an external magnet, as described above. Switch 405 controls aninternal electronic switch 406 that controls all the device electronics.Electronic switch 406 includes a low leakage circuitry to convert thelogic of the NO switch 405 to “normally closed” (C) logic, such thatalthough switch 405 is a NO switch it will keep the transmitter inactivewhile it is closed.

[0058] The low leakage circuit only uses 1%-3% of the battery power peryear, so that the internal electronic switch 406 is not a significantfactor in the power regimen of the device.

[0059] In an embodiment of the invention the device is a swallowablecapsule having an optical window and comprising a CMOS imaging camera,white LEDs, an optical system, a transmitter and battery. Theswallowable capsule is kept inactive while contained in a package havinga magnet, such as the magnetic packaging described in PCT applicationIL00/00752 (which is assigned to the common assignee of the presentinvention and which is hereby incorporated in its entirety byreference). Just prior to use the package having the magnet is removedenabling the switch 405 to be opened, thereby activating the transmitterand with it, initiating imager and illumination operation.

[0060] The input bandwidth of the information in the transmitter 400 isover 1.35 Megabit per second. Such a low powered high input bandwidthtransmitter for transmitting video data, has not yet been shown in theart.

[0061] Reference is now made to FIG. 5 in which a block diagram of themethod of the invention is illustrated. The method for in vivo imagingincludes the following steps: illuminating a site in vivo (502);collecting remitted light onto pixels of a CMOS imaging camera, therebygenerating an analog signal (504); converting the analog signal to adigital signal (506); randomizing the digital signal (508); transmittingthe digital signal to a receiving system (510) and processing thetransmitted signals to obtain images of the in vivo site (512).

[0062] The step of illumination (502) is preferably carried out byemploying white LEDs to illuminate the site in vivo. Illumination may becontinuous or alternating in accordance with specific requirements ofthe system.

[0063] Collecting light remitted form the site in vivo (504) anddirecting it on to the pixels of a CMOS imaging chip is achieved byemploying an optical system which comprises a lens and which may furthercomprise any suitable collimator.

[0064] Conversion of the analog signal to a digital signal (506) ispreferably effected in a serial manner.

[0065] Randomizing the digital signal (508), namely randomizing theoccurrence of the digital signals (“0” and “1”) is performed so thattransmission is not impeded by a reoccurring signal of one type.

[0066] Transmission of the signal (510) is accomplished using radiofrequencies (approximately 432-434 Mhz) at a rate of two to eight framesper second to an array of antennas attached to a patient's body. Theantennas allow image capture and are also used to calculate and indicatethe position of the imager in the patient's body. An example of thecalculation and indication the position of the imager in the patient'sbody is provided in the above mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,604,531.

[0067] Processing of signals (512) can be carried out by employingsuitable processors and software. For example, the RAPID software(propriety software developed and owned by Given Imaging Ltd. ofYokneani, Israel) is used to obtain a video clip of images captured fromwithin the GI tract. The video clip can be synchronized with thetrajectory of the imaging device as it passes through the GI tract toenable location of the device in the GI tract.

[0068] Additionally, a plurality of receiving antennas can be used whichcan be moved to the location enabling best receiving conditions.

[0069] The images can be stored on a small portable recorder carried ona belt and subsequently downloaded for analysis and retrieval.Additionally, the receiver can be connected directly to a stationarydata recorder.

[0070] Experiments were carried out with an 11×30 mm capsule comprisinga CMOS imaging chip and miniature processor, white LED light sources, ashort focal length lens and a miniature transmitter and antenna. Thecapsule, powered by silver oxide batteries, was swallowed and more than5 hours of continuous recording of images from the gastrointestinaltract were achieved.

[0071] Live transmission of good quality video images were obtained forup to 6 hour periods in ambulatory dogs.

[0072] With ethical committee approval a human volunteer study wasperformed. The capsule was easily swallowed. Moving images were obtainedfrom the stomach and small intestine. No discomfort was experienced. Theoptical window remained clear throughout the whole transmission.

[0073] Trigonometric analysis of signal strength allowed continuousmonitoring of the capsule position. Imaging of the small bowl wassuccessfully completed in 2 hours.

[0074] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that thepresent invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown anddescribed hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention isdefined only by the claims which follow:

1. A device for in vivo imaging comprising at least one CMOS imagingcamera, at least one illumination source for illuminating a site invivo, an optical system for imaging the site in vivo onto the CMOSimaging camera and a transmitter for transmitting video output of theCMOS imaging camera.
 2. The device according to claim 1 wherein the CMOSimaging camera comprises active pixel circuitry.
 3. The device accordingto claim 2 wherein the CMOS imaging camera comprises a correlated doublesampler for processing an analog signal produced by the active pixelcircuitry.
 4. The device according to claim 1 wherein the CMOS imagingcamera comprises an analog to digital converter having serial output. 5.The device according to claim 1 wherein the CMOS imaging cameracomprises an encoding and randomizing unit for defining frame and rowparameters and for priming digital signals for transmission.
 6. Thedevice according to claim 1 wherein the CMOS imaging camera comprisesactive pixel circuitry, said circuitry producing an analog signal; acorrelated double sampler for processing the analog signal produced bythe active pixel circuitry; an analog to digital converter having serialoutput for converting the analog signal to a digital signal; and anencoding and randomizing unit for defining frame and row parameters andfor priming the digital signal for transmission.
 7. The device accordingto claim 1 wherein the CMOS imaging camera is an ultra low poweredcamera and has reduced sensitivity to light in the red spectrum.
 8. Thedevice according to claim 1 wherein the illumination source is a whiteLED.
 9. The device according to claim 1 wherein the illumination sourcecomprises a refracting crystal matrix having at least one blue LED chipintegrated therein.
 10. The device according to claim 1 wherein theoptical system comprises an aspherical focussing lens.
 11. The deviceaccording to claim 10 wherein the optical system further comprises atleast one collimator for collecting remittent light.
 12. The deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein the transmitter comprises an internalelectronic switch for converting a logic of a normally open switch to anormally closed logic.
 13. The device according to claim 1 wherein thetransmitter comprises a control block for controlling the CMOS imagingcamera.
 14. The device according to claim 13 wherein the control blockfurther controls the illumination source.
 15. A swallowable capsule forin vivo imaging of the gastrointestinal tract, said capsule having anoptical window and comprising at least one CMOS imaging camera; at leastone illumination source for illuminating a gastrointestinal tract site;an optical system for imaging the gastrointestinal tract site onto theCMOS imaging camera; and a transmitter for transmitting video output ofthe CMOS imaging camera.
 16. The swallowable capsule according to claim15 wherein the CMOS imaging camera comprises active pixel circuitry. 17.The swallowable capsule according to claim 16 wherein the CMOS imagingcamera comprises a correlated double sampler for processing an analogsignal produced by the active pixel circuitry.
 18. The swallowablecapsule according to claim 15 wherein the CMOS imaging camera comprisesan analog to digital converter having serial output.
 19. The swallowablecapsule according to claim 15 wherein the CMOS imaging camera comprisesan encoding and randomizing unit for defining frame and row parametersand for priming digital signals for transmission.
 20. The swallowablecapsule according to claim 15 wherein the CMOS imaging camera comprisesactive pixel circuitry, said circuitry producing an analog signal; acorrelated double sampler for processing the analog signal produced bythe active pixel circuitry; an analog to digital converter having serialoutput for converting the analog signal to a digital signal; and anencoding and randomizing unit for defining frame and row parameters andfor priming the digital signal for transmission.
 21. The swallowablecapsule according to claim 15 wherein the illumination source is a whiteLED.
 22. The swallowable capsule according to claim 15 wherein theillumination source comprises a refracting crystal matrix having atleast one blue LED chip integrated therein.
 23. The swallowable capsuleaccording to claim 15 wherein the optical system comprises an asphericalfocussing lens.
 24. The swallowable capsule according to claim 23wherein the optical system further comprises at least one collimator forcollecting remittent light.
 25. The swallowable capsule according toclaim 15 wherein the transmitter comprises an internal electronic switchfor converting a logic of a normally open switch to a normally closedlogic.
 26. The swallowable capsule according to claim 15 wherein thetransmitter comprises a control block for controlling the CMOS imagingcamera.
 27. The swallowable capsule according to claim 26 wherein thecontrol block further controls the illumination source.
 28. Theswallowable capsule according to claim 27 wherein the control blocksends a shutdown signal to the imager to inactivate it and to thetransmitter itself to inactivate main capsule subsystems.
 29. Theswallowable capsule according to claim 28 wherein the control blocksends a shutdown signal for a two hour period following activation ofthe transmitter.
 30. The swallowable capsule according to claim 15wherein the transmitter transmits on radio frequency.
 31. A system forin vivo imaging comprising an imaging system for capturing images invivo and for producing video output; a transmitter for transmitting thevideo output; and a receiving system for receiving the transmitted videooutput, said imaging system comprising at least one CMOS imaging camera,at least one illumination source for illuminating a site in vivo and anoptical system for imaging the site in vivo onto the CMOS imagingcamera.
 32. The system according to claim 31 fixer comprising an antennaarray capable of surrounding a body and comprising at least one antennafor receiving the transmitted video output and for producing a pluralityof received signals.
 33. The system according to claim 32 furthercomprising a demodulator capable of transforming the plurality ofreceived video signals into a single video datastream.
 34. The systemaccording to claim 33 further comprising a data processing system whichgenerates tracking and video data from the single datastream.
 35. Thesystem according to claim 34 wherein the receiving system and dataprocessing system are located outside a patient.
 36. In a device for invivo imaging, said device comprising at least one CMOS imaging camera,at least one illumination source for illuminating a site in vivo and anoptical system for imaging the site in vivo onto the CMOS imagingcamera, a transmitter for transmitting signals from the CMOS imagingcamera to a receiving system, said transmitter comprising a controlblock for controlling the CMOS imaging camera.
 37. The transmitteraccording to claim 36 wherein the control block further controls theillumination source.
 38. The transmitter according to claim 36comprising an internal electronic switch for converting a logic of anormally open switch to a normally closed logic.
 39. The transmitteraccording to claim 36 wherein the control block sends a shutdown signalto the imager to inactivate it and to the transmitter itself toinactivate main device subsystems.
 40. The transmitter according to clam39 wherein the transmitter sends beacon signals.
 41. The transmitteraccording to claim 36 , said transmitter transmitting on radiofrequency.
 42. In a system for in vivo imaging, said system comprisingan imaging system for capturing images in vivo and for producing videooutput and a receiving system for receiving the transmitted videooutput, said imaging system comprising at least one CMOS imaging camera,at least one illumination source for illuminating a site in vivo and anoptical system for imaging the site in vivo onto the CMOS imagingcamera, a transmitter for transmitting signals from the CMOS imagingcamera to the receiving system, said transmitter comprising a controlblock for controlling the CMOS imaging camera.
 43. The transmitteraccording to claim 42 wherein the control block further controls theillumination source.
 44. The transmitter according to claim 42comprising an internal electronic switch for converting a logic of anormally open switch to a normally closed logic.
 45. The transmitteraccording to claim 42 wherein the control block sends a shutdown signalto the imager to inactivate it and to the transmitter itself toinactivate main device subsystems.
 46. The transmitter according toclaim 45 wherein the transmitter sends beacon signals.
 47. Thetransmitter according to claim 42 , said transmitter transmitting onradio frequency.
 48. In a device for in vivo imaging, said devicecomprising at least one image sensor, an optical system for imaging asite in vivo onto the image sensor and a transmitter for transmittingsignals from the image sensor to a receiving system, an illuminationsource for illuminating the site in vivo, said illumination sourcecomprising at least one blue LED chip and a refracting crystal.
 49. Theillumination source according to claim 48 wherein the at least one blueLED chip is integrated within a refracting crystal matrix.
 50. A methodfor imaging an in vivo site comprising the steps of illuminating a sitein vivo; collecting remitted light onto pixels of a CMOS imaging camera,thereby generating an analog signal; processing and converting theanalog signal to a digital signal; randomizing the digital signal;transmitting the digital signal to a receiving system; and processingthe transmitted signals to obtain images of the in vivo site.
 51. Themethod according to claim 50 wherein the step of illuminating is done byutilizing a white led.
 52. The method according to claim 50 wherein thewherein the CMOS imaging camera comprises active pixel circuitry, saidcircuitry producing an analog signal; a correlated double sampler forprocessing the analog signal produced by the active pixel circuitry; ananalog to digital converter having serial output for converting theanalog signal to a digital signal; and an encoding and randomizing unitfor defining frame and row parameters and for priming the digital signalfor transmission.
 53. The method according to claim 50 wherein the stepof processing and converting the analog signal to a digital signal ispreformed by an analog to digital converter having serial output. 54.The method according to claim 50 wherein the step of randomizing thedigital signal is performed by randomizing occurrences of 0 and 1digital signals.
 55. The method according to claim 50 wherein the stepof transmitting the digital signal to a receiving system is preformed bya transmitter, said transmitter comprising a control block forcontrolling a CMOS imaging camera.